A writer as facilitator

After a recent planning and structuring workshop, an undergraduate student commented that the most useful element was ‘Hearing other people’s ideas which I may not have thought of originally.’ I’m no egotist, and I don’t mind that sharing suggestions with peers proved more important to this student than my pearls of wisdom. In fact, this is a very positive result. Research and development by Dr Wendy Maples at the University of Sussex, who has investigated the value of peer assessment, shows that students frequently learn a lot from interacting with their peers. ‘I’ve always felt that students can learn as much if not more from each other than they can from some teachers,’ noted one participant in her study.

In my planning and structuring workshop, the students start by discussing how well they plan at the moment. Many say they create only a skeleton plan and don’t really know how to go about creating a detailed structure. My task is to facilitate a discussion about how to do this.

As the students talk in small groups, a range of techniques for planning and structuring emerge. They then share them with the whole group. We collate the ideas and I add mine. I talk about how I’ve developed a process through years of writing children’s non-fiction books and we talk about how different writers work in different ways. It’s a matter of finding an approach that suits you, whether it’s mind mapping, storyboarding with pictures, concept maps[1], using sticky notes or a more linear approach, listing bullet points. The students sometimes know of new software programs or apps that I haven’t heard of, so I learn something too.

This process indicates to the students that they are not the only ones struggling with organising their essays and reports. It also demonstrates that they know more than they think they do. Some report that having dreaded the writing process before, they now look forward to writing their assignments; for one undergraduate, the planning and structuring session ‘helped to just give me more confidence about what I need to do and how to be a writer’. When I read feedback like that, I feel I have done my job.

This Post Has 2 Comments

Some very interesting points! Peer-assessment is an area I am really interested in and of course this links to peer sharing of experiences/ideas which can be so useful. I agree that workshops impart valuable information from experts but as you say, they can also provide a space for students to share their own experiences.

Reviewing good writing practice/style was very helpful as I have been engaged in very dry primary research and have ‘lost my voice’ to some extent as a result.

-- Doctoral student

It was a great experience … it pushed me out of my comfort zone and I learnt that writing is primary for me.

-- Second year Modern Languages undergraduate

Heather has an exceptional ability to empathise with the student – she is an outstanding tutor.

-- Creative Writing student

All useful and relevant.

-- HE Human Resources staff member

I have benefited so much from this retreat … The training sessions covered various writing styles from publishing a book to applying for research grants to writing journal papers.

-- Postdoctorate in Energy Security and Environmental Protection

I would welcome the opportunity to work with you again, as I found your focus on clear objectives, your strong engagement with the students and your detailed approach to subject-specific learning has made an invaluable contribution to the confidence of my students as well as to the effectiveness of our learning environment as a whole.

-- MA course leader

When I ran a workshop with these students they were full of praise and admiration for the work you and Cath Senker carried out . . . it would be truly rewarding to our students if you could return again next year to assist the next cohort of MA students.

-- International Support Co-ordinator (Postgraduate)

I plan on being a stronger editor for the School’s blog

-- Business school blog editor

The ‘taught’ content was carefully blended with the practical exercises, so that the practice led the theory, rather than the other way round. … Marina and Tina were helpful, insightful and concise, without being overly critical or judgmental … every moment has been suffused with creativity. Thank you for waking me up.

-- Senior Lecturer in Film Studies

Ann identified key areas of essay writing which people often struggle with, and worked through them with useful and thought-provoking activities.

-- English Literature undergraduate

Great handouts – clear and informative.

-- Taught Masters student

Very interesting and interactive, a lively session!

-- Doctoral student in Health Science

I am impressed by your skills, the methodologies you introduce to the process of learning and generous spirit of inclusivity that you employ to connect with the students.

-- International Support Co-ordinator (Postgraduate)

This workshop helped me understand how to support the argument in my essay.

-- Second year Social Work undergraduate

The course was excellently executed. It was relaxed and convivial, yet we were undertaking learning that was substantial and worthwhile.

-- Team Leader in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

I really enjoyed it and would like a part 2 workshop!

-- Doctoral student

I wanted to tell you that I appreciate how organised you are and how good you are at pitching things just right and making us feel like we all have something valuable to contribute.

-- Creative Writing student

Very interesting session with excellent facilitators.

-- HE Human Resources staff member

I really enjoyed the workshop and found it informative and interesting.

-- English Literature undergraduate

Gained knowledge on applying narrative structures to my essays.

-- Undergraduate student

There should be more workshops like this.

-- Doctoral student

Pitched exactly right… a real pleasure to attend.

-- University Tutor in Creative Writing

I thought this was a fantastic workshop, and thoroughly enjoyable and constructive from start to finish. I really appreciated Jennifer’s insights and getting feedback from her … By the end, I was desperate to get back to writing my book and was viewing the project with fresh eyes and enthusiasm.

-- Lecturer in History

Absolutely brilliant workshop. Very helpful!

-- Second year English Literature undergraduate

I think the way the whole retreat was structured enabled me to think in new ways and to be in touch with my creative side. … The rest of the week was one big long light bulb moment … it was wonderful to witness other people’s journeys too. I left on a high!

The two facilitators were great. Trevor and Max had very different styles that complemented each other very well. … I really enjoyed the week and gained a lot – confidence and skills and tools for my own writing, and hopefully much better ways of teaching and mentoring others in writing. Highly recommended for writers of all levels and confidence.

-- Reader in Theoretical Astrophysics

Telling Your Story is the must-go workshop for academics that want to improve the effectiveness of their funding applications. I particularly enjoyed the focus on the audience and the practical exercises. Anne is very engaging and was able to make the content of the workshop relevant to a group of people with very diverse background and needs.

-- Research Fellow, Dept of Computer Science

I plan to use the proposed diagram for concepts and to engage my reader when writing my dissertation.

-- MA English Literature student

The immersive week has received universal, strong praise from the student participants.

-- Effective Learning Adviser

Inspirational, informative and thought-provoking.

-- Postgraduate student in Creative Writing

[The workshop] was broad enough that it applied to everyone. It was great!

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

… feel ready to write and have learned strategies that I’m confident I can apply to my work.

-- Research staff member, School of Art

Critical reflection on what I do for a living is so incredibly rare to come by. … Now I know what to look for and I have a set of tools to use … The generosity and authenticity of Tina and Marina were crucial in finding a part of me I thought was long gone.

-- Associate Professor, International Relations

Our facilitator was incredibly friendly, professional and very knowledgeable. A simply wonderful workshop, thank you.

-- 2nd year Social Science undergraduate

I’m very glad I signed up!

-- English Literature undergraduate

Very successful, the exercises were interesting and different from the usual course style.

-- Doctoral student

The day was brilliant and the first time I have ever done anything like this.

This workshop completely changed the way I write. It has opened my eyes and shown me where I am going wrong.

-- First year Social Work undergraduate

The best – and the best-received – of all the hundred events we have put on here.

-- Executive Director, US Historical Museum

I learned and understood more after each session. I would recommend that every college or university runs a program like this.

-- First year Social Work undergraduate

Once again, participants spoke very highly of your sessions: “Brilliant!”

-- Professor of English

I found a narrative voice I didn’t know I had, and changed my research question very radically as a result. The exercises reinforced the message, and it was very inspiring seeing other participants blossoming … into fiendishly writing all afternoon and evening, they were so energized. … The breadth of creativity was quite fantastic.

-- Senior Lecturer in Pharmacology

The workshop was very well-prepared with many interesting, student-centred and interactive activities. Many participants expressed their enjoyment and praise for the workshop. These acknowledgments were unprompted and unsolicited. BIG thank you. Well done. Greatly appreciated.

-- Learning Development staff member

Really great session, thank you. I wish I knew you existed before now!

-- Doctoral student in Health Science

Students found the intervention extremely engaging and helpful. Many wanted even more and would like another workshop in the future.

-- English Literature Lecturer

The staff found the training enjoyable and helpful for both their professional and personal lives.

-- Team Leader in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

Anne has the unique ability to bring out the ‘story’ behind the science, turning empirical descriptions into beautiful prose that is both exciting and scientifically sound. In her grant writing workshop, she puts special emphasis on learning as much as possible about the funding body, so that applications fit their remit. This is something scientists do not consider enough.

-- Professor of Toxicology and Environmental Health

The group sessions were really effective.

-- Social Science doctoral student

This workshop encouraged me to think of writing in a different way when at work… and in particular the focus on editing was useful.

-- Administrative staff member

These weekends have made me remember that I do actually like writing essays … massively beneficial.

-- Second year Modern Languages undergraduate

This was an incredibly helpful workshop!

-- Third year English Literature undergraduate

Cath’s sessions are of a very high standard with a great balance between theoretical input and practical application. … Her workshops are mainly aimed at undergraduate students and we continuously receive excellent feedback for her sessions.

-- Academic Study Skills Development Coordinator

The interactive group discussions were very relevant to my learning needs. Excellent input and course content given by a very knowledgeable tutor.

-- Adult nursing doctoral student

Loved this workshop!

-- Doctoral student

This workshop has been a turning point for me.

-- Social Science doctoral student

I am going to have a much better knowledge of writing abstracts.

-- Doctoral student

Everyone who was involved felt they were able to participate in the training.

-- Team Leader in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

The facilitator had an easy style. He engaged well with the participants and was able to translate his knowledge well.

-- Doctoral student in Health Science

It was fun… I think that made everyone relaxed and interact more.

-- Office Administrator, School of Medicine

It has been a pleasure working with Anne on my grant proposal. She gave me useful insight on how funding bodies work and pushed me to look into the vision of the funders and use it as a starting point to plan and word my proposal. Anne helped me write what the funders look for, and has given me a different perspective on grant proposal writing.

-- Lecturer, Bioscience

[The tutor] was great. Very knowledgeable, patient, active and helpful.

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

Critical reflection on what I do for a living is so incredibly rare to come by. … Now I know what to look for and I have a set of tools to use … The generosity and authenticity of Tina and Marina were crucial in finding a part of me I thought was long gone.

-- Associate Professor, International Relations

It made me think about my own dissertation topic and helped me in structuring it.

-- MA English Literature student

This was an incredibly useful week – I got to think much more explicitly about the writing process. It has given me a whole set of tools for teaching and mentoring writing, but probably of most use is the chance to consider my own writing. I have discovered all sorts of things I do in my writing (some good, some bad) that I didn’t realise I was doing.

-- Reader in Theoretical Astrophysics

Having been a student on many courses over the years, at a range of institutions, I very much appreciate the high standard of your preparation, presentation of material and the leading of group discussion.

-- Creative Non-Fiction student

What a brilliant session on Friday. The last hour of the session was extremely useful and is beginning to make a significant difference to my data analysis. My friends could not believe the difference. Thank you.

-- Psychology postgraduate

I feel I’ve learnt more about university essay writing over the course of two weekends than I have during my two years at university.

-- Second year Modern Languages undergraduate

…please keep in touch with any new projects – the students clearly loved your work!

-- Grammar School Assistant Head Teacher

Fantastic session and confidence boosting.

-- Professional services staff member

The session made me think about words, clarity of meaning and flow of argument. It succeeded, not just with me; the students were engaged throughout. Gerry has a very relaxed, informal style, authoritative and reassuring.

-- Programme Director in Genetics

The [Concept to Content] workshop really gives good suggestions on appropriate writing in dissertations and writing in general.

-- MA English Literature student

Jen was brilliant. The best workshop I have taken part in since starting university. Extremely beneficial.

-- 2nd year Sociology undergraduate

We learned techniques to take away and apply to our own writing.

-- MA Social Work student

You have been invaluable in my academic development.

-- Third year undergraduate

I intend to pay closer attention to the specific details that Katie worked through with us. The ways in which we can really bring our writing to life …

-- Business school administrator

Working with Anna changed my perception of how to write in a way which was clear, concise and accessible to a range of audiences. This helped in making me a confident writer. The group aspect of the training worked really well, as sharing projects and ideas helped to look at a particularly difficult project from a new perspective.

-- Marketing and Communications Assistant

The workshop consisted of a variety of useful strategies and allowed essential time to consider personal projects. Anna’s guidance enabled me to successfully convert from an academic, to a journalistic style of writing and has resulted in three publications in a magazine relating to my professional practice. Anna’s relaxed and reassuring but constructive approach instilled confidence and enabled actual outputs.

-- Senior Lecturer in Occupational Therapy

The activities were very helpful and enjoyable and gave me a better understanding of using signposting words.

-- Second year English Literature undergraduate

The training was very interesting and enjoyable. The facilitator was knowledgeable and the activities were engaging.

-- Course Assistant, Business School

I thought [the Concept to Content workshop] was great.

-- MA English Literature student

Of course it’s a given that you need the proper space and time to write – but without focus on content and narrative craft we’d be churning out the same turgid stuff, just more efficiently. … The week vastly exceeded my expectations and I think will have a profound effect on my writing.

-- Research Fellow

I wanted to… let you know how much I feel I have benefited from this course… The one-to-one session was particularly useful in formulating my argument and helping to add clarity to my work.

-- Social Science doctoral student

The workshop was great – couldn’t have been better. The tutor was very patient and engaging.

-- Taught Masters student

I’d like another session as it has really helped me and I would like to attend more.

-- Education undergraduate

Really, really helpful and great advice. I feel a lot more confident about writing my dissertation now.

-- Third year Politics undergraduate

Very informative. Really enjoyed the session and it will definitely be useful in writing my dissertation.

-- 3rd year Applied Social Science undergraduate

Many thanks, great to see such positive feedback from the students.

-- Lecturer, University English Department

Most useful workshop on my course so far!

-- Masters in Management student

Most of all I am confident about giving any presentation in the research area that I am interested in.

-- Doctoral student

The workshop concentrated on topics that at this stage of my dissertation matter to me. The topic itself is overwhelming, so helping me to break it down helped me to feel the project is manageable.

-- Masters student

Really helpful – encouraged openness and made the environment feel very safe.

-- Doctoral student

…a thoroughly positive experience…

-- Grammar School Assistant Head Teacher

The workshop made a massive difference to me as a student. I now know how to have a voice.

-- First year Social Work undergraduate

Has strongly influenced my PhD.

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

The workshop was pitched perfectly. Jennifer understood the peculiar challenges of academic writing and gave good advice on how to meet them. I enjoyed the group work too — tasks were useful in facilitating discussion and it was good to talk to colleagues about writing practices.

-- Professor of British History

I found it very interesting and feel it has equipped me with very relevant skills.

-- Registry Office Administrative Services

The ‘taught’ content was carefully blended with the practical exercises, so that the practice led the theory, rather than the other way round. … Marina and Tina were helpful, insightful and concise, without being overly critical or judgmental … every moment has been suffused with creativity. Thank you for waking me up.

-- Senior Lecturer in Film Studies

Thanks for a wonderful workshop – really fascinating and lots of top tips and genuinely helpful. The students really enjoyed it and found it hugely helpful for their next assignments.

-- Module Leader, MA Museums and Galleries in Education

The two facilitators were great. Trevor and Max had very different styles that complemented each other very well. … I really enjoyed the week and gained a lot – confidence and skills and tools for my own writing, and hopefully much better ways of teaching and mentoring others in writing. Highly recommended for writers of all levels and confidence.

-- Reader in Theoretical Astrophysics

What a truly fantastic experience. I really cannot enthuse about it enough. The combination of Max and Trevor as facilitators – so different and yet superbly complementary – was simply perfect. I feel privileged to have attended and I will ensure that my institution is made aware of what a brilliant opportunity this is for all academic staff.

-- Life Sciences Researcher

Seriously brilliant course, everyone was really engaged. You can consider this course a spectacular success.

-- University student representative

What a truly fantastic experience. I really cannot enthuse about it enough. The combination of Max and Trevor as facilitators – so different and yet superbly complementary – was simply perfect. I feel privileged to have attended and I will ensure that my institution is made aware of what a brilliant opportunity this is for all academic staff.

-- Life Sciences Researcher

The vast improvement in performance of our students, particularly as regards oral presentation skills, is due, in no small part, to the focussed attention provided by you and Esther Selsdon in those intensive sessions that you delivered so effectively.

-- MA course leader

The mix of … presentations, group discussions and practical exercises was very beneficial for me to apply new knowledge to my own situation. Anna’s wide experience of writing and editing was demonstrated by her depth of understanding and ability to tailor her teaching to the needs of her students.

-- Senior Lecturer in Research Methods

I was encouraged to reflect upon my writing in a more critical fashion and given some useful practical tips too.

-- Masters in Social Science student

I thoroughly enjoyed it, and loved the weekly assignments and the feedback in class.

-- Postgraduate student in Creative Writing

Dr Joss has transformed my attitude to writing my thesis.

-- Humanities doctoral student

I don’t think it could have been improved.

-- Office Administrator, School of Medicine

It has been a pleasure to work with Doug. His approach is highly professional. He demonstrates the democratic learning principles of collaboration, inclusion and participation, and these are overt in the way he works. I would highly recommend him and would have no hesitation in working with him again.

-- Head of Division of Nursing

Thank you so much for the sessions – they went down an absolute treat!

-- Head of Programme, University English Department

Very interactive, imaginative activities.

-- Programme Director, School of Education

An impressive session by any standards. Delivered with confidence and assurance, clearly well planned, prepared and structured, designed to engage and involve the students.

-- Associate Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing

The presentation was interesting and relevant. What was most beneficial? All of the content – learnt something new throughout.

-- Education undergraduate

Really useful and positive seminar. I liked the way our needs were assessed and discussed.

-- Education undergraduate

Very informal and professional at the same time.

-- Departmental Administrator in a School of Art

Fantastically insightful. Great tips for writing.

-- Doctoral student

… the workshop was interesting and educational, gave good examples and offered opportunities for practice and development.

-- Administrator and Academic Skills Tutor

The practical work and activities clearly illustrated the issues with good writing.

-- Departmental Administrator in a Faculty of Arts, Law and Social Sciences

This workshop has been extremely helpful and relevant to my work in its current stage.

-- Doctoral student in History

For me, I found being shown how to think about science writing in the same way as creative writing a bit of an eye opener. It was great to learn some of the basic ‘rules’ and things to think about in order for a good piece of writing to flow well.

-- Life Sciences Lecturer

The workshop was clear, focused, and entertaining and will benefit individuals struggling to understand how to turn their academic writing skills into successful bid-writing. Anne is a natural, enthusiastic communicator who quickly got to know the individuals in the group and was able to respond to their specific interests.

-- Lecturer, Creative Writing

This was delivered brilliantly.

-- Administrative Assistant

I learned a lot from reading examples of diverse types of writing and rewriting them.

-- Doctoral student

The course has a number of students with a first language other than English. Your input has helped them enormously, especially at this important time of assessment.

Thank you very much for a beautifully prepared course information package.

-- Graduate skills course officer

I have personally witnessed how your workshops have transformed the way university teachers viewed their teaching.

-- Academic Staff Developer at a top ten, research-intensive UK university

Thank you again for the workshop. I really feel I have profited from it and also enjoyed it a lot! It not only has made me think about my own writing more critically and effectively but will also help me working with undergraduates and marking their essays.

-- History doctoral candidate

I have attended a few writing workshops. This is by far the best. I know it will help me edit my thesis more effectively.

-- Social Sciences doctoral student

The course leader was very good at stimulating the group to participate and interact.

-- Doctoral student

This has been a highly valuable experience and I can’t praise it enough. It has helped me immensely with planning, writers’ block and confidence in my writing.

-- Second year Social Work undergraduate

Working with Anne on my grant proposal has been a really positive and constructive experience and taught me a great deal about how to explain complex concepts in a simple but still rigorous manner. The final submission was so beautiful to read that one of the referees made a point of commenting on it.

-- Senior Lecturer, Bioscience

Great course, very useful!

-- Social Science doctoral student

Although we have excellent student support services within the university, this course offered something to all the students who attended, whether they have specific learning needs or not. I saw their confidence grow as the course progressed.

-- Senior Lecturer in Social Work

The best and most interesting course I have done at the university so far.

-- Biomedical Science doctoral student

[The course] has helped me to write in a much more conscious manner.

-- Second year Social Work undergraduate

The activities were really helpful. They got me thinking in different ways.

-- Doctoral student

The three hours [Write Powerfully workshop] passed very quickly. Can I please be included in further workshops?